knew exactly where she was. The balcony might be useful if the master’s rooms were not a few feet away. “The ones old Lady Littleton used to use?”
“So I was told.” He led her to the other side of the hall and down the corridor. “I saw a similar balcony several feet away.”
“The master’s rooms.” If no one else heard him trying to get to the room, Max would sound the alarm.
“Oh.” Georgie sounded disappointed. Had she been thinking he could sneak in to her? “I must tell you about Adeline’s thoughts. She thinks that if she begins redecorating here, and I start redecorating at your house—”
“Our house.”
Georgie gave him a rare shy smile. “Our house. That there would be enough going on that no one would notice if I slipped back and forth. I could use one of my father’s unmarked coaches.”
“Or you could use my unmarked coach.”
They entered the morning room, which was decorated in pink and cream colors. “Do you think her scheme would work?”
“It might.” He found a footman setting out a large tea service. “Are you expecting anyone?”
“We thought Dorie and Henrietta might come over.” She followed his gaze. “Hmm. Perhaps Exeter, my grandmother, and the duchess as well.”
“In other words, everyone.” There was no way he’d be able to get her away from here now.
“Well”—she grinned at him—“Perhaps not everyone. I doubt if Lady Aurelia and Lytton will be here.”
“Speaking of them, I went straight from here to St. George’s and reserved a date. I ran into Lytton as I was leaving. They are having the ceremony as soon as he can arrange it. Apparently, Lady Aurelia sees no reason to delay.”
“Good for her. I have no doubt that the duchess was extremely direct in telling her about his aunt.” Georgie looked at the biscuits now on the sideboard. “I wonder if they are ginger.”
“I wonder if Cook was able to work out those recipes.”
Littleton and Adeline could be heard coming down the hall speaking with someone else. But it didn’t sound like Lady Littleton.
“It sounds like Dorie and Exeter.”
A second later Georgie was proven right.
“Georgie.” Dorie Exeter rushed to Georgie and wrapped her arms around her. “I am so happy for you.” Dorie glanced at him. “And you as well. I am so glad everything worked out.” She glanced behind her. “Henrietta will be here soon.” After their last meeting, he wondered what kind of reception he’d receive from her. “All is forgiven. You must accept that we will always protect our friends.”
“So I have seen.” He tugged Georgie closer to him. “You have no need to be concerned about her now. The only thing I want to do is get married.”
“That is what you wanted before,” Miss Stern said as she strolled through the door. “I assume that it is now for the right reason.”
“It is for the right reason.” Georgie turned her cheek for a kiss from her friend. “You are the only one of us who has not found the gentleman you wish to wed.”
“I am in no hurry.” Miss Stern gave a light shrug. “I will meet him when I meet him.”
Lady Littleton joined them with Lady Featherton and the duchess, and Adeline began serving tea.
The ladies soon took Adeline to a table at the other end of the room, and Littleton and Exeter joined Gavin.
“Congratulations.” Exeter slapped him on the back.
“Thank you. The ceremony is in two weeks.” And not a day longer. Gavin hadn’t been able to make it first thing in the morning, but ten o’clock was close enough.
“We’ll look forward to celebrating with you.”
“Thank you. I think I’ll look forward to having it done. I have gathered that there will not be much for me to do.” And that would be the worst of it. He’d come to realize that no one was going to allow him to accompany his betrothed everywhere she went, and he’d be left with little to do but watch the clock.
“Except plan your wedding trip.”
“That’s a good point.” Although Gavin wouldn’t plan it without asking Georgie what she wanted.
“We didn’t have to wait for long either, but it’s hell.” Exeter put his cup down. “The ladies are kept occupied, and we are not. You don’t even have the Lords to take up time. In fact, we’re going to return to the country after your wedding. There’s really nothing to do here at the moment.”
Two weeks of nothing but waiting. He’d have to find something to do when he couldn’t be